Auto compared to Manual

oops, didn't think it went first time. This site is realy slow at times.

Hi Dave.
I am interested to know what the problem is with dual mass flywheel.
Thanks.
Vince

Hi Vince, I don't know if Nissan still do it but its a two piece flywheel with a silicone substance between the two concentric pieces that make up the flywheel, the purpose being it seems to dampen out certain frequency which they consider unpleasant. The consequence is that it will fail at some time the indication being a clutch take-up closer to the firewall to the point that the clutch wont clear at all, which means cranking in 1st gear and using it as a crash-box. In other words the clutch is permanently engaged........lifespan of flywheel unknown....1000s to replace....now lets see....where could we get stranded?....not remote area friendly...cheers....silverback

Not sure where you get your info from Dave - I have had a flywheel failure on my Nissan dual mass flywheel and it was NOTHING like you have described.

What happens when the fluid leaks out past the seals is that the flywheel is no longer balanced and the engine idles extremely rough - I thought I had a broken engine mount. However, blip the throttle and the remaining fluid self-balances and all is fine - until you turn the engine off.

I drove my vehicle with no problems - clutch works perfectly and NO difference in take-up point. But it needs to be repaired as the vibration when starting was horrific.

The actual flywheel is very solidly constructed and there is virtually zero chance of it disintegrating.
Image Could Not Be Found
Inspection of the removed flywheel showed all was fine, with the one exception of a fluid leak where the two "halfs" are pinned together - you may be able to make out the fluid leak from the pins in the pic. Unfortunately this cannot be repaired so $2,600 later all was good again :(

Cheers

Captain

Our Nissan 4.2NA s have both failed. Had great difficulty and was VERY expensive to fix. Made automatics a more reliable choice and with actual LOWER operational life expense. It simply makes no sense to have a simple manual transmission and then make it more complex and expensive to fix. Imagine repairing your worn out clutch without replacing a very expensive flywheel at the same time. That makes it more expensive to replace a clutch than overhaul an auto when the main point of a manual is the cheap op cost due to its simplicity. I have always in the past preferred a manual for the economic benefits, but in this case wouldn't have a bar of one with a dual mass flywheel. its a long term potentially expensive choice......but that's just my opinion...cheers ...silverback

“will hold that gear, just like a manual”

In most situation it will not. In each and every AT what I have tried (and I specifically check this particular point) there is “idiot proof” “feature” that kick tranny to 2-nd once car hit 40 km/hr or so. There is no remedy, but press break. Besides noise what AT produces when it “breaks” at 30 km/hr is absolutely horrible. Autos completely sux in breaking department.

You obviously haven't driven a late model Pajero. It WILL hold the gear. It will NOT change up.

No I did not. But I have driven latest “sequential-sport-shift” 380 and it does shift up. Are you talking about low-range or high-one? In low it probably has much more tolerance because too much oil to stir and to many cogs to spin. But I bet if you manage to make 5000 rpm from engine, auto will shift.

Serg

In manual mode the engine will rev to the redline and NOT change up. Have done this accidentally in both low and high range. Sometimes I forget I'm in manual mode (much embarrassment ;-PP )

and don't forget a touch of hand brake if its say a rock ledge your creeping over.....silverback